An 800-N billboard worker stands on a 4.0-m scaffold weighing 500 N and supported by vertical ropes at each end.How far would the worker stand from one of the supporting ropes to produce a tension of 550 N in that rope?
A)1.4 m
B)2.0 m
C)2.5 m
D)2.7 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the distance of the worker from one of the supporting ropes be x. 
Taking moments about the rope, we get: 
(800N-500N) x = 550N (4.0m - x) 
Solving for x gives: 
x ≈ 2.5 m

An 800-N Billboard Worker Stands on a 4